Swipe right on grandpa: Gen Z unbothered by age gap in dating

A man using a dating app [iStockphoto]

There was once a time when dating someone significantly older or younger was seen as scandalous—something whispered about in the back of family gatherings or, if you were unlucky, discussed loudly by that one aunt who never filters her opinions.

These days, though, if you're hoping to find any shock about age gaps in romantic relationships, you're looking at the wrong generation. Enter Gen Z, who have casually decided that relationship age gaps are about as relevant as floppy disks.

Gen Z, the cohort that has grown up in the age of algorithms, digital fluency, and avocado toast, sees love differently. Sure, they are all about challenging traditions. But it goes deeper than just rejecting societal norms—it’s about vibes. In the world of Gen Z, the heart wants what it wants, and if that happens to be someone 10, 15, or 20 years older, well, so be it.

Part of this age-gap nonchalance is, of course, due to the all-powerful Internet. Gen Z lives online, in a digital world where memes, GIFs, and inside jokes transcend the constraints of time.

While previous generations may have gawked at a 20-year age difference, Gen Z sees it as an opportunity to broaden their TikTok algorithm or share their favourite niche Reddit threads. Love is universal, but memes, my friends, are eternal.

No longer are age gaps a reason for judgment or suspicion. In fact, for many Gen Zers, they are about as concerning as the colour of your socks. They’ve seen enough TV, witnessed enough social media influencers, and devoured enough Netflix series to decide that love is love, even if one of you remembers dial-up internet and the other only knows Wi-Fi as a human right.

The real kicker here is that Gen Z doesn’t view older partners as walking relics from an ancient time (though some may still use the term “boomer” as a mild insult). They simply don’t care about the markers of age that society has long held dear. As long as the vibes are good, the connections are authentic, and the Spotify playlist harmonizes—who’s counting?

Gone are the days when people had to whisper about a couple’s age difference. Today, you’ll find 22-year-old Zara posting a TikTok video proudly showcasing her 50-year-old boyfriend who “listens to everything I say like a pro.”

And the comment section? Overflowing with heart emojis and comments like “Yesss, queen!” and “Age is just a number!” If anything, her followers are probably more impressed that he knows how to do the Renegade dance than they are concerned about the fact that his music playlist is more Backstreet Boys than Billie Eilish.

The truth is, Gen Z love the benefits that often come with dating someone older. Stability, for one thing, is a huge plus. Let’s face it—many Gen Zers are still figuring out what they want to do in life, and having someone who has “been there, done that” is comforting. It’s like having Google Maps for life’s twists and turns.

It’s not just Gen Z rejecting the so-called “rules” about age gaps. There’s an increasing number of older folks who see dating younger partners as a way to stay connected to the digital world. After all, when you’re 55 and your partner teaches you how to use Snapchat filters, it’s a win-win.

In the grand scheme of things, Gen Z isn’t here to follow rules about love; they’re here to make their own. When it comes to relationships, they have chosen to prioritize chemistry over birth year. If there’s an emotional connection, if the vibe is right, and if both people can quote the latest Squid Game episode or send each other laugh-worthy TikToks, what’s a 15-year age difference?

The thing about Gen Z in Kenya is that they don’t care about the artificial barriers that generations before them have held dear. Relationships are not about matching birth years; they’re about energy, common interests, and whether you can binge-watch Young, Famous & African together without someone falling asleep.

Gen Z knows that people age, but personalities? Those stay lit. What’s important is if you get along and can engage in those heated football debates without turning into a lecture.